binky's Personal Finance Blog

Had a mixed month, more spending than planned, but not too bad.

Today, I used a $4 off coupon for a haircut.

Used two other coupons for things I was getting anyway to save $3.

Gift for hostess for dinner party. $24.
bark collar battery $3.50
Dvd player $84.39
dig and save $6.39

I realized that I drive 40 miles per day on average and I am now trying to reduce that. I find that during the winter I have a tendency to just want to get out among people since I can't be outside, but that usually involves some sort of driving, so I'm would be happy to reduce this even 5 miles per day.

Today, I did quite a bit of shopping.

Groceries $78. I am SHOCKED to find we have already spent $224 for food this month and it's only the tenth. My goal was $300 per month. This is one area we could really use some work on.

Spent $23 at Goodwill for two holiday party outfits, including shoes and was pleased with this.

Yesterday my 2 year old had his first haircut and it was $15 including tip! Wow! I'm thinking I could probably just trim his hair myself and will look into this.

Did well using mostly cash again today.

1. Toys for son's X-mas - from a thrift store. $3.00 (GREAT toys)
2. Two winter coats - from thrift store $3.00
3. Drycleaning $17.00
4. Ice cream maker $3 (craigslist)

Will drive about 40 miles again today, I would like to cut back on that.

Did well using just cash today. Got groceries, diapers, etc. Total was $150.16. Total miles driven about 40

Spent the following:

1. Mailed a book we sold on Amazon for $1.89
2. Bought three children's books .13. (You buy them by the pound and they are only 25 cents per pound)
3. Bought Diet Coke $4.21.
4. Spent $65 on our cleaning service.

Saved $25 on our taxes by donating a large pile of decluttered items.

I started a journal earlier, but let it lapse. Now I want to get started again. I found two things helped me spend less money. One was keeping a daily total, as so many of you do. The second was using cash. Today I spent $15.72 for groceries, and used a credit card. Will plan to use cash the rest of the day.